I'm cleaning up the block in preparation for a new cylinder head. I'm cleaning up all the rust from the coolant passages but I have a question about the 2 little holes (not the 2 big holes) in between cyl 1-2 and 3-4. (Circled in red)

There are holes in the gasket for it and in the old cylinder head, but I was not able to "puncture" the rust over those holes if they are indeed suppose to be open? Can someone chime in on this? Do I need to bring out the punches?

I spent some time cleaning the deck surface and took a closer look. Still can't tell if they are suppose to be open or not. I took a punch and lightly tapped the spot to see if it was just rust. Nothing. So I guess it's suppose to not be a hole?